HOW TECHNOLOGY IS MAKING SOCIAL DISTANCING EASIER

Lynn You

People are naturally social beings and have many needs that often require leaving their homes. If a person needs food, medical supplies/medication, or even just a fresh pair of socks. In times past, one would have to leave their home or get someone else to do it for them. But nowadays all its takes is a tap on a screen for nearly anything to be at your door or in your mailbox. The only time you’d have to leave the house is when you open the door to get your package.

The technology that we use everyday has become much more ingrained in the functioning of humanity and now more than ever has become required for public health and safety. Technology and social media have been essential to daily living in this decade, but even more so because of social distancing. Restaurants, bars, theaters, and all social gathering places are closed and the few places that are open don’t allow sitting in. Most people are sitting in their homes with almost nothing to do, and cabin fever is beginning to set in. The only thing that keeps some people going is the wide variety and uses of their devices. If I can’t get to a dispensary, delivery is an option through a multitude of cannabis apps and services. For medical patients with underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to having severe symptoms, delivery apps are their only lifeline to receive the medication that they need and avoid interacting with people as much as possible. The same applies to things like amazon fresh, postmates, and Ubereats, when going out isn’t an option, our technology is.

As a person who doesn’t really go out, I thought social distancing would be a breeze. Staying six feet away from other people at all times? I finally have a good reason to. Not having to shake hands with people who I’m not sure washed their hands? Thank god. Not being able to go to the movies? A little rough, but various streaming services have got me covered. The only thing I really miss in the age of social distancing is spending time with my friends, whom I can only interact with exclusively through Facetime. But if I didn’t have that, then all I would have is nearly complete isolation.

When social distancing is a must, our modern technology is really what keeps us sane. At a time when seeing family and friends in person isn’t possible, apps like Facetime and Whatsapp keep us as connected to each other as we can, and when meeting for class or business in person isn’t possible, programs like Skype and Zoom assure that things can go on unhindered. As important as social distancing guidelines are, the average technology we use every day has taken on a new importance in keeping our lives as normal as possible. The purpose of technology is to make our lives easier and more efficient and social distancing has proved that it truly serves its function.